Trail Symbols and Safety Signs

Osler Bluff Trail Symbols and Terrain Descriptions

Trail symbols difficulty: these appear on maps and signs.

Easiest

The Green Circle trail symbol designates terrain suitable for beginner skiers. At Osler Bluff, the Beehive area serves as a dedicated learning environment, accessible via either the carpet surface lift or the platter lift. The Beehive offers an ideal setting for developing foundational skills such as turning and stopping with safety in mind. Beginner-appropriate runs at Osler Bluff include Beehive, MacKay’s Return, Snow Ridge, Marshall, and Band de Soleil. Each of these trails has been designed to accommodate families, children, and individuals new to skiing or riding. Green Circle marked runs are identified as slow zones to ensure a supportive environment for skill development and confidence building.
 

Difficult

The Blue Square trail symbol indicates intermediate terrain, which is more varied than beginner areas and may include steep sections, moguls, and ungroomed runs. It's suitable for skiers and riders who can turn and stop efficiently. At Osler Bluff, intermediate trails marked with Blue Squares include Crashley’s, Valley, Exhibition, Gulch, Breakaway, S-Hill, S-Hill Alternate, Orchard Pass, and Orchard.
 

 Most Difficult

Black Diamond trails are for advanced skiers and riders, offering steeper, narrower terrain with higher risk. These runs may be groomed, ungroomed, have moguls, or not. At Osler Bluff Ski Club, Black Diamond trails include Brook’s Hill, S-Cut, Slalom, Laurie’s Bluff, Katie’s Way, Sleigh Ride, Rattler, Bamboo, Shaw’s Run, and Lookout.
 

 Extremely Difficult - Experts Only

Double Black Diamond trail symbols indicate terrain specifically designed for expert skiers and riders. Such trails present the highest level of difficulty, featuring ungroomed surfaces, steep gradients, narrow chutes, drop-offs, exposed rocks, trees, logs, and wooded areas. At Osler Bluff, Double Black Diamond terrain is located on Jump Run and within the Glade Areas.
 

Freestyle Terrain

Orange Oval Freestyle Terrain is marked in addition to regular trail ratings like green, blue, black, and double black to show where you’ll find terrain park features such as boxes, rails, jumps, jibs, or quarter pipes. These areas can also include natural obstacles like jumps, rocks, or hidden tree spots, making creative use of the landscape. Features are sized from extra small (XS) to extra large (XL), indicating how challenging each jump or element is for your progression.
 

Safety Signage

 

When you see a Slow Zone banner or sign on a run, reduce your speed immediately. These signs indicate changing conditions, congestion, training areas, connector trails, or approaching lift lines. Always slow down and stay alert for potential hazards when passing these signs.
 

The learning area banner signals that you are entering a space where skiers and riders are working on improving their skills. You should slow down, adjust your speed accordingly, and allow plenty of room for learners to practice their new abilities.

 

Caution signs mark possible hazards on the trail. Reduce your speed, remain vigilant and avoid the dangers. Hazards may include rocks, ice, terrain changes, equipment, or crowds, and not all of them may be marked. Trail conditions can change rapidly so remain alert and aware at all times.

 

A Closed sign means the trail or area of the Club is off-limits. Do not enter. These zones may contain serious hazards that could result in serious injury, loss, or fatality. Always respect posted signage and avoid restricted zones.